Local health experts warn about this year’s flu

The CDC says the illness has now reached epidemic levels for the 2014-2015 flu season.

Because reports of the flu are on the rise across the country, local health officials say it is crucial to take precautions if you start to feel sick. Experts recommend talking with your doctor to get an anti-viral if you start feeling ill.

The medication can help cut down your symptoms or prevent the illness altogether. If you do come down with the flu, experts recommend staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

If you begin experiencing trouble breathing, severe fatigue or a fever with a rash you should head to the emergency room.

“If you know for a fact that you have the flu and you have been diagnosed with it, it's an excellent idea to stay home until your symptoms resolve to the point that you feel at your baseline, well and healthy enough to go in and that's not just something to do for yourself and your own health but something to do for the health of your coworkers and the rest of your community, not to spread it to them,” DHHS Public Health Nurse Hava Phillips said.